Search
Showing 10 of 7005 results
-
Boost to long-term education partnerships in China
The arrangement will enable participating New Zealand universities and ITPs to form long-term partnerships with Chinese institutions in a key subject area to invest in, develop and deliver new joint programmes.
The arrangement was signed between the New Zealand Government-to-Government Partnerships Office (G2G), China’s Ministry of Education and the National Center for Schooling Development (CSDP), the only governance organisation that establishes standards and evaluates education systems in more than 1000 higher education institutions in China.
Specifically, it will allow participating New Zealand tertiary institutions to formally register and participate in China’s International Higher Standard Application-Oriented Institutions Programme.
ENZ’s Regional Director – China & North Asia, Adele Bryant, said the arrangement is a win-win for New Zealand and China.
“New Zealand institutions can participate in the development of China’s higher education system as well as benefit from a new future channel of good quality Chinese students.”
To date, five New Zealand tertiary institutions including AUT, Otago Polytechnic, Weltec & Whitireia, Wintec and Ara Institute of Canterbury have participated in this arrangement.
CSDP is also cooperating with education institutions in the USA, United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, the Netherlands and Australia.
In September, CSDP’s representatives will visit New Zealand to hold a workshop with the participating New Zealand institutions and undertake site visits of their campuses.
Interested universities or ITPs can contact ENZ’s International Market Manager – China, Ross Fisher, at ross.fisher@enz.govt.nz.
-
New Future Proof campaign to showcase Kiwi teachers
The eight-week Future Proof campaign earlier this year achieved incredible results, including reaching over 33 million potential international students and achieving more than 14 million social media engagements.
To continue the conversation, ENZ will evolve the campaign to focus on the role that high-quality teachers play in New Zealand’s ranking as best in the world for educating students for the future. We will share inspiring stories about our teaching talent with the world through videos and other web content.
Patrick Holden, ENZ’s Digital Media Project Manager, says the upcoming campaign aims to raise awareness of the quality of our education, which research suggests isn’t fully appreciated in many of our markets.
“In line with the newly-launched International Education Strategy 2018 – 2030, we’re aiming to reach students interested in studying high-value programmes in New Zealand by showcasing the world-leading Kiwi teachers and academics that will be available to them.
“This second Future Proof campaign will run across October – November which is a key decision-making period for international students.”
Students who engage with the campaign will be “nurtured through” to My StudyNZ to connect with New Zealand institutions and agents. Institutions can make sure they’re getting the most out of this recruitment opportunity by updating their profile on the Study in New Zealand website.
“We’ll be putting a briefing pack together to help institutions leverage the campaign in their own recruitment activities. Keep an eye on future editions of E-News for this and further updates,” said Patrick.
Share your story
Do you have a great story idea about a world-leading academic or inspiring teacher? If so, please email philippa.brown@enz.govt.nz and tell us why you think they’d be perfect for this campaign.
-
New Zealand academics star in event season in India
ENZ’s Country Manager for India, Jugnu Roy, leveraged the in-market presence of 14 New Zealand researchers and academics by putting together a third Guest Lecture Series (GLS).
“The GLS showcases New Zealand’s research strengths across a range of disciplines, particularly STEM, sustainability and nutrition which were of great interest to the audience, and reinforces the quality and global rankings of New Zealand’s universities to prospective students.
L-R: HE Ms Joanna Kempkers; Shri Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister Delhi and John Laxon, RD ENZ.
“The GLS was a big undertaking, with 44 lectures across 23 premier Indian institutions – it was very well-received by Indian students and academics.”
In addition, ENZ put together a high-powered Academic Conclave, attended by New Zealand academics as well as academics, researchers and industry experts from across India. It featured workshops on topics of mutual interest for both countries including smart cities, research collaboration and future-proof education.
The event was inaugurated by New Zealand High Commissioner Ms Joanna Kempkers, Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister of Delhi Mr Manish Sisodia, as well as a video message by the Human Resource Development of India Mr Prakash Javadekar.“The programme aimed to introduce and progress collaboration opportunities between countries,” said Jugnu.
The event was inaugurated by New Zealand High Commissioner Ms Joanna Kempkers, Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister of Delhi Mr Manish Sisodia, as well as a video message by the Human Resource Development of India Mr Prakash Javadekar.
-
Kiwi students now eligible for internships with NASA
The announcement was made by Economic Development Minister David Parker at a launch event at the Carter Observatory in Wellington on Monday 27 August.
“Through the programme, high-achieving Kiwi students will have the opportunity to work in NASA’s best and most advanced research facilities, with access to expert mentors,” Mr Parker said.
“Giving our future innovators, entrepreneurs and scientists opportunities to get a head-start in space-related careers will play a vital role in developing a thriving domestic industry.
“It also strengthens New Zealand’s connection with global space networks and raises New Zealand’s profile as a location for space activities.”
ENZ Regional Director Americas and Europe, Lisa Futschek, welcomed the announcement.
“We are more focused than ever on supporting New Zealand students with global learning opportunities as they benefit both the student and New Zealand more generally – and the NASA scholarship is an ideal example of this,” she said.
“As the world becomes more connected, young New Zealanders who can live, work and study across national boundaries will benefit greatly.”
Students will be able to apply for NASA’s June 2019 internship intake. The internships are for approximately three months.
The New Zealand Space Agency, which sits within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, has also launched the New Zealand Space Scholarship which will support up to four students to participate in the NASA Internships Programme each year. The scholarship will cover airfares, accommodation, and other associated expenses.
Applications open on 10 September through the New Zealand Space Agency.
For more information, visit the New Zealand Space Agency’s website www.mbie.govt.nz/nasa.
Economic Development Minister David Parker speaking.
-
Around the world in five
US
More international college graduates staying to work in US
The number of international student graduates staying on to work in the US has risen since 2008, with no signs of stopping.
GLOBAL
Bank of Mum & Dad: Global international student funding gap revealed
A new survey shows international students are turning to part-time work and their parents rely on borrowed funds to contribute to their education.
SOUTH AFRICA
English language schools officially recognised by government
English language schools that are members of Education South Africa will be formally recognised by the government, opening the door for students to study English in South Africa with greater regulatory stability and visa certainty.
GERMANY
Germany leads Europe in student social engagement
Germany leads the way in helping students thrive outside class, followed by the UK, Austria and Ireland, according to the European Student Survey by Times Higher Education.
CANADA
Montreal wants its international students to stay
Montreal International has launched a ‘Je Choisis Montreal’ or ‘I choose Montreal’ campaign to help more international students live, work and immigrate to the city.
-
International student employment: overcoming barriers
The panel, chaired by ENZ’s Director Student Experience, Hayley Shields, featured a diverse and informed range of views from
- Brett Berquist, Director International at the University of Auckland
- Dr Cate Gribble, Senior Research Analyst at the University of Auckland
- James Koo, former international student and founder and CEO of Niesh, a free student discounts app
- Paul Hickey, Managing Director at SpeakData
- Charan Mohan, former international student and now Business Intelligence Analyst at SpeakData.
Dr Cate Gribble talked about the need to raise awareness of the benefits to businesses of employing international students to counter employer concerns around the challenges of international student employees, including perceptions they won’t fit culturally, their English will be limited or that their visa situation will make paperwork too challenging. Students also find their international work experience in their home country is not always valued here, and employers often require New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents.
Brett Berquist added that we need to counter the perception that international students will not stick around.
“The reality is that all students, both domestic and international, are equally mobile. Employers need to stop thinking Kiwis make employees for life, and that international students are a flight risk.”
James Koo said the lack of transparency around these concerns is a challenge for international students. As a result, many international students end up sending a generic CV and cover letter to any and all available jobs, too discouraged to spend time tailoring their CVs to each role.
James also noted that student expectations can sometimes be unrealistic, and some students expect to work in large, prestigious companies whereas most New Zealand companies are SMEs – which he noted can actually offer more opportunities and experiences for students and recent graduates.
SpeakData’s Paul Hickey then talked about his experience hiring international students, such as fellow panellist Charan Mohan. While Charan clearly had the hard skills required for his company, Paul needed to be convinced of his soft skills, which he calls being ‘Kiwi-ready.’
“Often, international students come into interviews and talk solely about their studies and qualifications when actually, we’re just as interested in hearing about their interests outside of work.“That social aspect plays a big part – sharing a story about kayaking in Taupo at the weekend or going to an All Blacks game is an easy way to connect with Kiwi employers.”
Paul also talked about the need to work with institutions to create a pipeline of talent.
“Employers often take a short-term view and hire people ‘just in time’ rather than looking ahead, whereas if you expect to have 10 new positions available in two years’ time, why not try to establish a pipeline for talent through local institutions who can connect you with new graduates with relevant skills?”
Panellists also agreed that having internships and work experience in education programmes will also help international students get into the job market when they graduate.
Brett concluded that while all these approaches can reduce barriers, ultimately, a strategy is required – supported by data that is already available in reports such as the Ministry of Education’s ‘Moving Places’, ENZ’s Beyond the Economic and Immigration New Zealand data.
It is an ongoing discussion that will continue to be in the spotlight in New Zealand as the industry works to meet international student expectations of global employability.
-
Alumni embrace tikanga Māori in Vermont
The North American Whānau Council – East Coast is one of three Whānau Councils worldwide (the other two being Europe and the USA’s West Coast) and is made up of AUT alumni who attended the Noho Marae weekend at AUT’s Ngā Wai o Horotiu marae.
There, students learned what it means to be whānau and experienced a range of Māori cultural activities including sleeping on the marae and learning waiata and the haka.
Jason King (centre) Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Maori & Indigenous Development, AUT with brother Charles and wife Andrea.
Originally a student-driven initiative in Europe, the Whānau Councils are now supported formally by AUT and Jason King, AUT’s Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Development. Jason and his wife Andrea make an annual trip to each of the Whānau Councils’ AGMs.
Lewis Gibson, ENZ Field Director, North America, attended this year’s events with students from Champlain College (currently hosting its first Māori student on campus) and the University of Vermont (UVM) where AUT has exchange programmes.
“The Whānau Councils act as local communities for alumni to maintain their connections to each other, New Zealand and Māori culture.
“They’ve also been instrumental in helping US universities connect with their own tangata whenua; the Chief of the Nulhegan Abenaki tribe, Don Stevens, attended Whānau Council events this month to show support. For these students, it was the first time many had had any interaction with the Abenaki.”
Lewis said the experience these students had at AUT’s Noho Marae has profoundly impacted them, turning them into lifelong advocates for New Zealand, its education system and Māori culture.
“By embracing an indigenous culture on the other side of the world these students have found a home away from home and a whānau they belong to.”
This sense of belonging has remained long after those students left New Zealand. Today, a large number of alumni from both UVM and Champlain College have become teachers, sharing Māori culture in their own classrooms with their students.
“By incorporating lessons and culture from New Zealand, these alumni are exposing US students to the benefits of a New Zealand education, as well as actively sharing their positive New Zealand education experiences with their peers in the wider community.
“This encourages more US students to participate in study abroad opportunities in New Zealand, and further entrenches the kiwi connections in Vermont,” Lewis said.
-
Improving orientation programmes
At NZIEC 2018, a number of breakout sessions talked about the need to reconsider current approaches to orientation and student support in order to improve the student experience and increase their intercultural competence.
Izzie Guo
In the Inspiring global citizens panel discussion: How can we make a difference? Izzie Guo, ChristchurchNZ’s Student Experience Coordinator talked about their Student Ambassador programme, and how positive student experiences are often shaped by the social and extracurricular space, not the academic.
“Student Ambassadors are involved in events and activities around the city, some volunteer, some organise and MC big events like our Student Welcome. It’s a way to improve their interpersonal skills and make new friends. It helps them settle in and build connections,” said Izzie.
Student Ambassadors are also the first connection that new international students make – they run the airport welcome and support orientations at institutions, welcoming and greeting new students in their own language, asking them about their home and breaking the ice.
Education Tauranga has taken a similar approach. In Redefining orientation programmes, Anne Young talked about how Education Tauranga has redefined its orientation programme by holding events throughout the year to mitigate ‘culture shock’ and help students achieve a smooth transition to life and study in Tauranga.
Education Tauranga's international student orientation in February 2018
“For most people, orientation means the first two weeks a student arrives, but that’s really an induction to their education provider and region. Orientation should go well beyond that, because the transition to a new setting takes more than two weeks.
“The key is continual engagement. Throughout the year, you need to build relationships with international students and their families and show you have a continued offer.”
AFS research supports this approach. In her presentation, Global competence development in international education: Tools to make it happen, Marcela Lapertosa, AFS Director of Education and Intercultural Learning, said skilled facilitation and regular reflection is the answer.
Marcela Lapertosa
“It is not enough to make one phone call to a student each month asking yes or no questions, “do you like your homestay,” “do you like your school” – there needs to be an attempt to unpack differences, challenges and perceptions.”
AFS has undertaken research in this area to develop the AFS Student Learning Journey Curriculum, which includes a variety of one-on-one and group activities to help students reflect and understand their new surroundings and how best to navigate it.
“For example, you could ask the student and their host family to draw a picture of the floorplan of their home and use questions to learn more about each other: Where does your family spend the most time? What does a closed door mean? Does it mean someone is mad at you, or that they want privacy?” This kind of exercise shows how different cultural values are reflected in a building and can help students and their host family understand one another,” said Marcela.
“It can also make it easier for students to open up who are not natural reflectors, especially when done in a group with their homestay family or school peers.”
-
The X-factor: What makes an experience exceptional
Led by Hayley Shields, ENZ’s Director Student Experience, and Jason Cate from TNS New Zealand, a breakout session at NZIEC 2018 did a deep dive into the key findings of the student experience in New Zealand, including economic wellbeing, education experience, social inclusion and health and wellbeing.
Hayley and Jason revealed the highest impact driver of student experience in New Zealand is education quality, followed by lifestyle, environment, and work and career.
“New Zealand’s key strength of education quality specifically relates to the sub-driver of teacher quality – the level of individual respect and recognition students receive from their teachers, and the contribution this makes to personal growth,” said Hayley.
The research also shows that there are multiple drivers and sub-drivers impacting the student experience, including where the student is from, where they are studying, and at what stage of their study journey they are.
“This suggests that New Zealand should continue to support the cultural integration of students and graduates in New Zealand and focus on social inclusion initiatives.
“The longer students are in New Zealand, the more important relationships with locals are.
“Improving experiences that may lead to full time work and career development was also a strong theme and the key experiential weakness in the study. Students expect to be able to access meaningful work experiences as part of their study experience in New Zealand,” Hayley said.The presentation concluded with some key messages for industry to consider:
- Market what is unique and special about the New Zealand education experience as it is a differentiator.
- Consider the key student experience drivers when designing student experience strategies.
- Take a student-centred approach to design and delivery of the student experience.
- How can the international education sector partner with communities to deliver a quality international student experience?
Hayley said it is important to keep in mind that the quality of the student experience directly impacts the New Zealand international education brand.
“The research confirms that student experience is central to international students’ motivations – both in coming to New Zealand and having a long-term positive affiliation with our country.
“A successful student experience generates advocacy for New Zealand and will ensure the sustainability of the sector,” she said.
The ‘Understanding the International Student Experience in New Zealand’ report can be found on Intellilab here.
-
Student speakers at NZIEC 2018
WelTec student Angelique Viola came from the Philippines to study accounting here, leaving behind a secure job and taking a leap of faith. After graduation, her goal is to find employment as an accountant in New Zealand.Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. My tutors were supportive and made me feel comfortable to ask them questions. It helped me cope up with my studies and boosted my confidence. Other support, like the free shuttle bus provided by my school, was also a big help.
2. It is the first time that I encountered a study break during the school semester. That one-week break helped me to cool off before the final exams.
3. The Work-Ready Wellington programme helped me learn about New Zealand’s working environment.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Finding a part-time job related to the field I am studying.
2. The cost of transportation is quite expensive.
3. It’s challenging to find an institution that offers free seminars/training to enhance specific skills I am lacking.
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
I am taking a Graduate Diploma in accounting and it would be beneficial to have on-the-job style training and to learn software such as Xero or MYOB in the curriculum. This would definitely help me in my job hunt since most New Zealand employers are looking for experienced individuals.
Yuki Sugito left Japan to study at Wainuiomata High School – party driven by the appeal of the All Blacks at the 2015 World Cup. He has become involved in kapa haka, competing in the national championships with his school group. He plans to study tourism management at the University of Otago, and also wants to teach Japanese to Kiwis.Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. I like learning about New Zealand culture. At school, I participate in Kapa Haka and get to learn the significance of Māori traditions.
2. New Zealand school is less strict than Japan and I can relate to the teachers and build good relationships.
3. I can practice my English every day.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Learning English is hard. In Japanese we don’t pronounce “r’s” and “l’s”. Also, the slang New Zealanders use is hard to get used to.
2. In New Zealand you have to self-manage your time. In Japan you “must” do things, in New Zealand you “should” do things, but no one makes you do it. You have to be motivated to achieve.
3. The NCEA system is different and hard. The system in New Zealand means if you don’t get your credits you can’t go to university. In Japan, the universities don’t operate like this.
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
The classes for each subject in school are longer than in Japan. I wish New Zealand had at least a 10-minute break between classes. In Japan, classes are 50 minutes long with a small break in between which makes you feel recharged to learn the next subject.
Jingxin 'Ada' Wang is originally from China, and studied a master’s degree in accounting at Victoria University of Wellington. She enjoys travelling and has embraced hiking since being in New Zealand.
Three things I’ve enjoyed about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. Excellent international student insurance – I don’t need worry about any accidents.
2. Help from the international students centre, they give you the best advice no matter what issues you struggle with. There are also lots of discounts for international students such as gyms, barbershops and restaurants.
3. I went to a Work-Ready course organised by Wellington Council, which made it easier for me to find employment after graduating.
Three things I’ve found hard about being an international student in New Zealand:
1. The Kiwi accent was very hard to understand at the beginning, and it was difficult for people to understand my own accent.
2. It’s hard to find delicious and authentic Chinese food in New Zealand.
3. Winter is my nightmare, and the weather here is always so rainy, windy and cold!
The one thing that would have made the biggest difference/improvement in my experience is…
I wish I had more support from my university about New Zealand etiquette and taboo. International students need to mingle into New Zealand culture and society and know the appropriate way to speak and to behave.
